How do you think about risk? What role has taking risks played in your life/career? Check out responses from hidden gems from our community below.

Madi almostmadi” Walter | Singer/Songwriter

Though I’ve been writing and performing original “sad grrl songs” since the wee age of five – I really started to pursue my career as a singer-songwriter at the beginning of the Pandemic in 2020 at the age of 24. Read more>>

Meleah Manning | Dating & Relationship Coach

Taking risks requires courage. I consider being an entrepreneur a very courageous path. There is no previously done step-by-step path to follow in the way I’ve chosen to live my life and build my business. For many people, they are terrified of the unknown. I think that’s very common as humans – to want to know what’s next, to what to know what the future holds. In the path I’ve chosen, that isn’t an option. So it requires courage, trust and the ability to open to the unknown. There is so much risk in that and of course, it would be “safer” to choose the road that has a clear path forward. My ability to take risks is a huge factor is the success I’ve experienced in entrepreneurship as well as my overall fulfillment in life. Read more>>

Christiana Wheeler | Dance instructor, performer

Starting an artistic career is a risk in itself! I think the biggest risk that’s on my mind as an artist, and many would agree they feel the same, is the fear of putting so much work into something and people not liking what you created, as well as not making your money back, and other fears alike. But the thing is, if you don’t take any risks you will never find out what would have happened if you just did it! So just take the risk, because yes the risk is that it doesn’t work out and you move on and take a different risk, and such is life. I took a risk last year and directed, choreographed, and performed in my dance company’s first show, it was extremely nerve racking, I almost didn’t want people to see it. But people did and they loved it! It didn’t even feel real and I was so proud of everyone involved and myself. Through the process I met people who wanted to work with me and got my name out there more. So just do it! Read more>>

Rhiana Deck | Artist

Pretty much every decision I’ve made in life having to do with art has been a risk. In middle school I would use painting in ditches as a way to get away. All the way up to deciding where to go to college, which art degree and what to do with that degree afterwards. I’ve learned to paint for the love of painting. I fully enjoy free-styling. There is absolutely a risk in that but I’ve also learned I’m less frustrated with the outcome. I have no expectations, only using what I know combining the parts I loved of what I did last with what I’m currently working on. It’s become one long study. My process varies depending on the project. Sometimes it’s from a sketch, which I sketch onto the surface. Others it’s an approved sketch for a client. My favorite are the improvised freestyles. I go with the flow. It’s my first time seeing the piece along with everyone else. I get to pick it apart just like the viewers. It can get it can get scary not knowing when it’s complete but I just accept it sometimes. It’s like life. You just have to accept things and do better next time. Read more>>

Eunjoo Kang | Ceramic artist

Risks can be an opportunities. Not always but if the risk pushes me to get out of my comfort zone to get more opportunities, chances and visions I should take it. Read more>>